Posted on October 3, 2025
A $6.2 million N.J. Department of Transportation dredging project to restore local waterways to save navigable depth is expected to get underway in the Waretown Channel complex.
The project, which is being undertaken by contractor JF Brennan of La Crosse, Wis., includes the removal of roughly 90,000 cubic yards of fine sand and silt from the waterways off Barnegat Light, Barnegat Township, Lacey Township, Long Beach Township and Ocean Township, according to state transportation officials.
State transportation officials said last week the work is “expected to be completed in December 2025. Work will be conducted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The area is expected to remain open throughout the duration of the project.”
Boaters should use caution when traveling in the area of the project, which will restore the channels to the appropriate depths of 6 to 9 feet for save navigation, the DOT said.
“Channel closures are not expected, but if they are needed, closures will be communicated through the Local Notice to Mariners,” according to the DOT. “State Aids to Navigation (ATON) will be removed as necessary for the duration of the project.”
Holiday Harbor, Skippers Cove, Waretown Creek, South Harbor, Double Creek Mainland, Double Creek and High Bar Harbor and Barnegat Light waterways serve emergency services, commercial fisheries, marinas, homeowners and recreational boaters, the DOT said.
All material removed from the channels will be transported via pipeline and discharged into the Oyster Creek confined disposal facility. The pipeline will be clearly marked with buoys and lights for safe navigation, according to the DOT.
The public is advised to be aware of and stay alert for the pipeline, buoys, dredge and other maritime construction equipment during the project. The DOT asks that no one enter the construction areas nor approach project-related equipment, including dredges.
Boaters should proceed through dredging and construction zones with caution and can contact the contractor for meeting/passing arrangements on Channel 4. No wake speed should be observed in active work zones.
